A new microbrewery is opening within a former Dominican friary in Newcastle, carrying on the brewing tradition of years gone by. St Dominic’s Brewery, launched by the owners of Blackfriars, is set to become a cornerstone of Newcastle’s rich brewing heritage.
A Tradition Reborn
Located within the historic Blackfriars complex, which houses the renowned Blackfriars Restaurant, Cookery School, Parlour Bar, Tasting Room, Meeting Rooms, Banquet Hall, and King’s Suite, St Dominic’s Brewery will offer a selection of traditional pale ales, lagers, and IPAs. These beers will be available for customers to enjoy while dining or attending one of the many events held at Blackfriars.
The brewery is situated in the Chapter House, a site rich with history. This was once the meeting place for friars to hear readings, discuss friary matters, and assign daily tasks. Following King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541), the Chapter House was repurposed as a meeting house for the Bakers and Brewers Guild. Today, Blackfriars is continuing this ancient tradition of brewing, blending historical practices with modern craft brewing techniques.
Meet the Brewer
Head Brewer, Ben Hall, a former chef at Blackfriars, brings a unique blend of culinary and brewing expertise to St Dominic’s Brewery. Ben, who has been immersed in the Belgian beer scene, expressed his enthusiasm: “As a Frenchman who studied in Belgium and grew up with monastic beer, I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to launch the first brewery at Blackfriars for hundreds of years. I have been an ardent home brewer for many years and am determined to convert my experience into the very best ales, beers, and lagers using the highest quality ingredients. And if the inaugural brews are anything to go by, I’m confident it’s going to be a hit.”
St Dominic’s Brewery
St Dominic’s Brewery will initially offer three beers: a pale ale, an IPA, and a lager. These can be enjoyed in the Blackfriars Restaurant, during events, or while relaxing in the Blackfriars Parlour Bar or Cloister Garden. There are plans to extend availability to sister restaurants Dobson & Parnell on Newcastle Quayside and Hinnies in Whitley Bay.
Andy Hook, owner of Blackfriars, shared his excitement: “I’ve been planning a brewery at Blackfriars for almost a decade and to finally see it come to fruition is nothing short of a dream come true. And to house it within the former Bakers and Brewers Guild meeting room just continues the narrative which goes back to the tradition of friars and monks brewing and beyond that. I couldn’t be happier with Ben’s first brews which have already gone down well with both guests and staff alike.”
The brewery’s launch coincides with the re-opening of Blackfriars Cloister Garden. With heated parasols, fire pits, ambient festoon lighting, and beautiful planting, the garden is a perfect spot for al fresco dining. Adding home-brewed beer enhances the experience, particularly during summer BBQ and hog roast events.
Blackfriars’ Cloister Garden recently received the landscape and outdoor space award in the Lord Mayor’s Design Awards, celebrating excellence in architecture and environmental design. Additionally, Blackfriars Restaurant was named Taste of the North East in the North East Tourism Awards, and its Cookery School won a Silver award. For more information, follow Blackfriars: